Top spots for the best Middle Eastern food in Singapore

Established in 2009, Beirut Grill is one of the few Middle Eastern restaurants in the Sultan Mosque vicinity and serves up Lebanese food. There’s a plethora of selections here – from tabbouleh and fattoush to grilled kebab platters and kunefe. So grab a friend or two and enjoy the food as you soak up the vibes in the 
Arabic-themed lounge in vibrant decor.

From 16th May to 15th June, hummus lovers are in for a treat. Beirut Grill will be serving up nine different specialty hummus, specially curated and prepared for their annual Singapore Hummus Festival. Look forward to options such as Laogan-Ma Chilli Crisp, Masala, and Avocado Hummus, which will be served with warm house-baked pita. 

 Beirut Grill is at 72 Bussorah St, Singapore 199485. Visit its website for reservations or more information.

For an authentic taste of the flavours of Persia (modern-day Iran), head to Shabestan at Robertson Quay. Under executive chef Hany Moustafa, the restaurant is known for dishes such as Lamb Kubideh (grilled ground lamb), Shandiz (grilled lamb chops), Ghormeh Sabzi (stewed lamb with sun-dried limes – pictured) and Bahala Polo Machicheh (stewed lamb shank). And once you’re done with the savouries, end the meal with cool saffron-infused pudding (Sholehzard) or crowd-favourite Kunafe.

Shabestan is at 80 Mohamed Sultan Rd, #01-13 The Pier at Robertson, Singapore 239013. Visit its website for reservations or more information.

Long-time fans of Sofra would have followed them all the way from the original Shaw Towers location to the current Marina Square premise. Since 1999, Sofra has been serving delicious and authentic Turkish food with fan favourites such as hummus, grilled meat kebab platter, sesame bread (lavash), kunefe, and Turkish chocolate pudding.

Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant is at #03-129A, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore 039594. Visit its website for reservations or more information.

Kazbar is the place of reprieve for a quick lunch or post-work meal and drinks for those working in the Central Business District. Executive chef Kamel cut his teeth in Dubai before moving here and continues to stay true to his Middle Eastern and Lebanese roots while cooking with ingredients sourced from the region. Pick from a variety of mezze (dips), Kofta Kebab (grilled lamb) and Shish Taouk (grilled chicken) and more before washing it down with a cocktail or two.

Kazbar is at 25 Church St, #01-03, 25 Capital Square 3, Singapore 049482. Visit its website for reservations or more information.

Formerly known as Fat Prince, The Prince touts itself as a place for modern Middle Eastern food — specifically kebabs and cocktails. Consequently, there is a wide offering of proteins ranging from lamb and beef to seabass and octopus available for sharing or a la carte dining. Oh, and don’t forget to pick a cocktail or two. Teetoalers aren’t forgotten here too as there is a list of non-alcoholic beverages, or zero proof options, made with the same love and intention.

The Prince is at 48 Peck Seah St, Singapore 079317. Visit its website for reservations or more information.

Named after the Turkish port city, Marmaris is a little haven for Arabian food in the Little India district. Rice lovers can pick between biryani and mandi made with an assortment of proteins while bread lovers can enjoy their grilled meats, shawarma and falafels with flatbread, hummus and Muthabbal (eggplant dip).

Marmaris Restaurant is at 111 Dunlop St, Singapore 209430. Click here for more information.

Byblos is another restaurant located around the Sultan Mosque. Helmed by chef Mohamad Slim, Byblos proudly serves up authentic Turkish and Lebanese mezze and main courses. Fan favourites include the hummus, kibbeh, moussaka (eggplant casserole) mezze as well as the mandi, mixed grill, lamb kofte and Byblos Beef Steak.

Byblos is at 14 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199435. Visit its website for reservations or more information.

Formerly at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives, chef Khaled Elelimi continues to incorporate his training in Ayurveda into his cooking at Pistachio. The halal Middle Eastern and Mediterranean grill consequently prides itself on serving up wholesome meals that include biryani, tagine, couscous, grilled meats and a bevy of desserts such as Baklava, Belila (wheatberry porridge) and Um Ali (Egyptian bread pudding).

Pistachio Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Grill is at #02-04/05 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road, Singapore 238880. Visit its website for reservations or more information.

Nestled in the bustling Bugis and Orchard areas, Tarboush serves up more than 60 carefully curated dishes, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant flavours of Turkish, Middle Eastern and Western cuisine all in one place. Fan favourites include the Mezzeh Appetiser Platter, Mandi Lamb Shank, and Crispy Falafel. On Saturdays and Sundays, expect live band performances to fill the air with melodies and take your dining experience to the next level.

Tarboush’s Bugis outlet is located at Village Hotel, 390 Victoria St, #03-12A Hotel Lobby Level, 188061 while its Orchard outlet is at Orchard Rendezvous Hotel, 1 Tanglin Rd, Orchard Rd, #01-09/10, 247905.

Check out its website for more information.

Artichoke is the brainchild of MasterChef Singapore judge Bjorn Shen. The restaurant opened its doors in 2010, focusing on creating Middle Eastern food that broke the conventional rules. As a result, you can expect inventive twists to classic dishes as such hummus, grilled meats, and more. If you can’t decide, get the Feed Me option,  where you a curated menu of the chef’s delicious selections.

Artichoke is at 161 Middle Rd, Singapore 188978. Visit its website for reservations or more information.

This article was originally published in Singapore Women’s Weekly.

Additional reporting by Anis Nabilah Azlee.